Lionel Messi's record fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or win on Monday was as expected as it was justified after an incredible year saw him break German legend Gerd Mueller's 40-year-old record for the most goals in a calendar year.
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And yet despite this latest accolade the 25-year-old from Rosario, who ended 2012 with an astonishing 91 goals in all competitions, indicated even before picking up the trophy that his own summary of the year was 'must do better' after Barcelona allowed Real Madrid to win La Liga and also missed in Europe.
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'' I don't think it was my best year as I always say that titles you win with the team are more important '' said Messi, noting Barca merely netted the Spanish Cup in 2012.
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Away from sport, Messi cuts a far more bashful figure than his great rival Ronaldo, but that has not prevented him from amassing a huge personal fortune through several lucrative endorsements, notably with Adidas.
Big ups to Lionel Messi for proving he is the greatest of all time in the history of football